Array
/əˈreɪ/noun
An ordered arrangement of items or a decorative display.
Did you know?The word entered English through Anglo-French and Old French, where it could mean to prepare, equip, or set in order, so its modern “organized display” sense grew out of the idea of being outfitted for action.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reidh-
“to ride, travel”
Old English
OE
rǣdan
“to arrange, advise, interpret”
Old French
OF
areier / arayer
“to prepare, put in order, equip”
Middle English
EN
arrayen
“to dress, equip, arrange in order”
Modern English
EN
array
“an ordered arrangement; a display of items”